Page 51 of High Stakes

Aiden

I head into the kitchen and unpack the shopping. Bella looks exhausted and I wonder if that’s mostly my fault. Damn Jake. And now everything is set to go ahead, I almost feel a mix of relief and guilt. It’s making me paranoid and I’m examining every expression on Bella’s tired face, wondering if this will break her.

I cook duck breasts with vegetables. Not exactly Gordan Ramsey, but its edible and with my lack of skills, it’s the best I could do at this short notice. I set the table up with candles and flowers. I’ve even splashed out on a bottle of Champagne, instead of taking it from the bar. Hopefully by the end of tonight, I’ll have something to celebrate.

I go back into the living room and Bella looks lost in thought. “Dinner is served,” I say, causing her to jump. She offers a sad smile and follows me through to the kitchen. She stares blankly at the table as I pull out her seat. She lowers and I tuck her in, placing a gentle kiss on her head. “You look shattered,” I whisper, squeezing her shoulders. She shudders under my touch, and somehow, I don’t feel like it’s with need.

“It smells delicious,” she mutters, shifting slightly so my hands fall away.

I take my seat; my mind racing to try and work out what’s going on. “Is everything okay?”

“Champagne,” she says, ignoring me and nodding at the bottle, “What’s the special occasion?”

I take the bottle and pour her a glass, “Us,” I reply, and she takes the glass before I’ve even pulled the bottle away. I frown, watching as she downs it, coughing as the bubbles tickle her throat. “Careful. This is expensive shit, you’ll be on your back,” I joke, as she thrusts her glass under the bottle for a refill.

Her lip curls slightly at the corner, “That’s how you want me, isn’t it?” The way her eyes burn into mine, makes me shift uncomfortably. Before I can raise my concerns, she claps her hands in delight and jumps out of her chair. “I forgot, I made you a surprise,” she announces, “A playlist. It’s what couples do,” she says, connecting her phone to the built in speaker system. She grins, pressing play and taking her seat as Gnash’s, I Hate You, I Love You, fills the room.

We eat in silence, occasionally she sings the lyrics ‘I hate you’ and I’m wondering if she’s singing those words to me. My concern deepens when Eminem’s, Love The Way You Lie, comes on.

I fidget uncomfortably, if only she knew how these songs were so close to the truth. But she doesn’t seem to be taking any notice apart from humming the odd part with a far-away look in her eyes.

“Not exactly love songs Bells,” I tease.

She grins, popping some duck into her mouth and I relax a little. At least she seems to have cheered up. “They all have meaning,” she says, “I connect with them.”

When Alec Benjamin’s, Let Me Down Slowly, comes on, I stand abruptly, taking her by surprise. “I’ll clear the dishes,” I mutter. I’m being paranoid, I need to relax and get my shit together. I check my watch and Bella notices, “Eight-thirty,” she confirms. “Any plans?”

I turn the taps on, keeping my back to her. “No plans,” I say.

She causes me to jump in fright when she slides her arms around me. “Maybe we should make up properly?”

I smile to myself; she’s playing right into my hands. “It’s been a long day,” I reply.

“You’ve waited long enough,” she says, as I turn to face her. “Unless you’re put off by earlier?”

Her sad eyes cause an ache in my chest, and I cup her face. “Fresh start, remember?” I whisper, kissing her gently.

She nods in confirmation, “Fresh start,” she repeats. “No more lies.” Her eyes pierce me, like they’re waiting for my confession.Damn this guilt.I slam my lips to hers and lift her into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist and carrying her to the bedroom. I’m too close to quit now.

I lower her to the bed, not breaking our kiss as I crawl over her body, forcing her to lie back fully. I try to slow my kisses, her words from earlier about Cal being gentle, haunting me.Fuck.Why am I thinking about that now?

I pull back and she frowns, “Are you okay?” she asks. I see hope in her eyes, she wants this,so why am I being a fucking pussy?I stare down at her, a thousand things going through my mind. “Aiden?” she says gently, snapping me from my thoughts. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” she adds, gently cupping my cheek.Those damn sad eyes.

I give my head a shake. “I’m fine,” I mutter. I slam my mouth to hers, hard and demanding, just how I like it. I move down her body, pushing her top up.Did he kiss her here? Fuck, Aiden, stop this shit.

I lick her smooth stomach, nipping her skin between my teeth. When I glance up, she’s wiping a stray tear. “Shit, are you okay?” I sit up and she does the same.

“Yeah, I’m just nervous with it being my first time,” she says softly.

“Do you want to stop?” I ask.

She shakes her head, “Not if you don’t?” I shake my head too, and she gives a stiff nod, pushing to her feet and lifting her top over her head, dropping it to the floor. I take a moment to appreciate her flawless body with her perfect curves. I’ll miss her being wrapped in my arms every night. Her warmth. Her breathy moans when I make her come. I groan and she stills, “Keep going,” I mutter, not meeting her eye.

She slides her leggings off, standing before me naked. “Now you,” she says.

I lift myself off the bed, and she takes the hint, taking hold of my shorts and tugging them down. My cock springs free and I grip it, easing the ache as I rub it. I grab her wrist, tugging her back onto the bed, she yelps in surprise, but I don’t give her time to react as I lean over her, kissing down her body hungrily. I drop to my knees and part her legs, licking through her folds. She bucks up, groaning and all my doubts are forgotten. I push my finger inside, something I’ve not done as yet, and fuck she feels tight. I add another, moving them slowly at first to help her adjust to the intrusion.

I subtly check my watch. It’s ten to nine but if I don’t fuck her soon, I’m going to combust. “Tell me you’re on the pill?” I ask, knowing she is because I’ve seen them in her bedside drawer.

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